Explain the steps in processing data: editing, coding, data entry and computation, with an example.

1. 1 · Open in two lines. Processing turns filled forms into numbers that can be tabulated and analysed.
2. 2 · Draw the flow. [Flow chart: editing → coding → data entry → cleaning → computation → tabulation]
3. 3 · Editing. Check forms for errors, gaps and inconsistencies, in the field and again centrally.
4. 4 · Coding and its rules.
   • Assign numbers to answers.
   • Categories exhaustive and mutually exclusive.
   • Pre-code closed questions; post-code open ones.
   • Fixed codes for missing answers.
5. 5 · Show a small codebook. Variable, question and codes for year of study, skipping breakfast, diet type, weight and height.
6. 6 · Data entry and cleaning. One row per respondent, one column per variable; check frequencies for impossible values.
7. 7 · Computation. Derived values such as BMI, nutrient intake from IFCT and % of RDA; then totals, percentages and means.
8. 8 · Close in one line. Careful coding and clean entry make the tables and statistics trustworthy.

Scoring tip: A five-row codebook drawn as a table is the easiest way to show you understand coding.